Direct interaction of atorvastatin with white and brown adipocytes: Induction of apoptosis and modulation of endocrine function

Statins exert antiinflammatory, antiatherogenic actions. The mechanisms responsible for these effects remain only partially elucidated. Metabolic and endocrine adipocyte dysfunction is known to play a crucial role in the development of diabetes, obesity, and related cardiovascular complications. Using a model of immortalized white and brown murine adipocytes, we investigated direct effects of atorvastatin on apoptosis, differentiation, endocrine, and metabolic functions. Direct exposure to 10µM atorvastatin for 24h increased apoptosis in both proliferating and postmitotic cells by approx. 160% and 60%, respectiv…